September 2008 Issue – Wisconsin Lion

Front Page Article – Family Night with Green Bay Packers

Picture it – Green Bay, Wisconsin – August 3, 2008 – Lambeau Field.  Spectators sitting in the front row of Section 127 turned around to view a sea of blue shirts behind them–running all the way up to the top of the Section.  Those were our campers and families. It was a moment to realize that something truly unique was going on. In section 127 and a large chunk of Section 131, was a gathering of three hundred campers and their families (almost 1,500 people) – the largest such gathering we, as Foundation Staff, have ever experienced.  Thanks to the generosity of the Green Bay Packers and the efforts of two of their staff; Cathy Dworak and Jessie Micke, we were able to make this happen!

It all started two months ago, when our very own Executive Administrator, Evett Hartvig, received a phone call from Cathy Dworak of the Green Bay Packers Organization. Cathy asked Evett if she would be interested in complimentary tickets to the Packer Family Night for our campers and their families; and if so, would we have enough interest from the camper families to give out 1,000 tickets. Evett’s initial response was, “Are you kidding? I’m sure there would be no problem finding 1,000 camper families to give the tickets to.” Well, that certainly was an understatement, because it ended up that when Cathy found out that the first 1,000 tickets were gone almost immediately after the letter went out from Packer President Mark Murphy, she ended up giving us an additional 500 tickets. Each ticket holder also received a free t-shirt that was worn during the event.

Evett, Dale, and Andrea, along with spouses and family members, were on hand to pass out tickets and t-shirts. They heard so many comments, compliments and thank-yous expressed that it was truly heart-warming.  Several campers made signs to display at the game.  One of the  favorites was “This camper is having a ball! Thank you Packers!”  While the Staff was taking pictures, tossing t-shirts and talking with the campers, the sky began to darken, it started to sprinkle and there was a spectacular lightning show.  While it was pretty neat to watch, that wasn’t the show we had come for! 

The fans entered the stadium by the thousands, with lots of blue shirts mixed in!  Unfortunately, we were stuck waiting for almost an hour for the lightning to clear up – which is understandable considering the amount of metal in the seats!  While we waited, the drum corps marched around the Atrium and Concourse, livening up the fans with some rousing rhythms. Many of the Lions Camp camper families got together in groups, talking and getting to know one another or renewed friendships. Close to 8:00 p.m., the Packers came onto the field and fans got to their seats - Finally!   The lights, the noise, and immense size of the stadium were overwhelming.  Many of our campers were looking left and right, up and down, trying to take in all the sights.  Listening to the gasps and wows from campers was just cool!  They were truly excited!  Once the scrimmage was started, a wave started going around the stadium – once, twice, three times our section stood up and joined in a loud cheer.  T-shirts were shot out of pneumatic guns to sections-adding to the fun.  We saw some great passes, catches and a few hard tackles! After the scrimmage, there was a drawing to give away jerseys off the back of some Packers. Each time a section was announced, the crowd cheered or groaned – depending on where they sat. Then, it happened.  Section 127 was called. Our section went crazy – one of our campers had won a jersey off a Packer!  (Nick Collins) Dale was snapping pictures left and right all night – and a picture of the camper holding up the jersey with a brilliant smile on her face was one of the best he got – and he got a lot of great pictures as you can see! 

It was time for a finale – what could top all of this excitement?  How about a fireworks show?  After a countdown – the lights in the stadium turned off – leaving us in a brief moment of darkness and then…Boom! Crack! Pow!  The fireworks started shooting into the sky above the stadium rim – brilliant colors, loud bangs and the smell of smoke all contributed to a dazzling experience at the end of a terrific night.  Andrea stayed with her family as the fans left, and many campers came up to her and just gave her hugs, high-fives and more thanks about the opportunity.  Many of the campers had never been to Lambeau Field and they could not stop talking about their experiences.

As your Wisconsin Lions Foundation Staff, we are so proud of being a part of this experience.  It was another reminder of what Camp can bring to the children and adults with disabilities in Wisconsin.